The Gibson EB0 and EB3 were redesigned in 1972: gone were the mahogany necks and slotted headstocks (see a 1971 Gibson EB3L) - replaced with a thicker three-piece maple neck (the width at the nut increased from 1 1/2" to 1 5/8"), with larger headstock and a volute. The body wood was still mahogany, but they were significantly thicker: 1 5/8" compared to 1 1/4" of the preceding version, and the neck pickup was repositioned closer to the bridge.
The redesign was partially intended to strengthen weak necks: headstock breaks are very common in mahogany-necked EB basses, and maple, especially with a volute is much stronger; and partially to improve tonal clarity. The less-defined thump, inspired by the upright basses of the 1950s and 1960s were nowhere near as desirable in the 1970s. Listen to the 1972 Gibson EB3L soundclips on this site.
1972 Gibson EB-3L specifications
Differences between the EB3L and EB3 were minor (see a 1972 Gibson EB3)- naturally a longer neck (total body length is 44" compared to XXX" of the EB3) and a repositioned bridge. The fretboard of all long scale SG style basses of this period had one less fret (20) compared to 21 of the short scale basses, though this is not mentioned in published descriptions of the time. All other dimensions are unchanged.
Notice the two point bar bridge with cover. Three point bridges were not in use until 1973, but these were slightly upgraded from older versions, in having metal saddles. The machine heads are Schaller M-4-S.
This is one of 268 Cherry EB3Ls produced in 1972 (See Gibson EB3 shipping data) - compared to 530 shortscale Cherry EB3s. In total 1355 EB3 and EB3Ls were produced in 1972.
The 1972 EB-3L had series 2 circuitry with some changes from earlier EB3 basses.
The 1972 new EB bass design was significantly different from preceding versions. Looking at the body: a new scratchplate design and the neck pickup significantly repositioned towards the middle of the body, for greater tonal clarity. Long scale EB basses of the early seventies had 20 frets compared to 21 of their short-scale siblings.
The mahogany body, with glued in three-piece maple neck, and control cavity cover. This bass is a great example of how Gibson's nitrocellulose cherry finish can fade to brown. The colour differences on the woods from front to back can clearly be seen; the cherry finish has remained vibrant cherry-red over the maple, yet has faded to a duller brown on the mahogany body. Cherry basses can easily be confused with Gibson's Walnut finish, available at the same time.
The EB3L bass pickup is the same humbucker as the short scale EB3. Note the Gibson logo engraved into the chrome cover - this was fairly common around 1971-1972.
This bass is fitted with a two-point tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles, and chrome bridge cover. Note the engraved Gibson logo on the Gibson mini-humbucker.
Four-way varitone switch with chicken head knob. The varitone switch on the EB3 offers some quite distinct sounds; have a listen to the EB3L audio clips on this site.
The varitone positions are as follows:
Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.
The varitone positions are as follows:
Position 1: front pickup
Position 2: back pickup
Position 3: both pickups in parallel
Position 4: front pickup with midrange notch.
As of 1972, the Gibson bass headstock was larger, with a simple silk-screened logo. It is unusual to find a not-slotted headstock EB bass with an engraved truss rod cover, but a few, like this early maple-neck EB-3Ls, were fitted with them. Tuning Keys are Schaller M4S.
The neck design changed in 1972: firstly maple, rather than mahogany, was used, it was wider and it was given a volute for the first time. Note Schaller M-4-S tuners, serial number, and MADE IN USA text.
Gibson EB-3 bass guitars for sale
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1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case
Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$3700
One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more
Gibson EB-3 Mahogany 1970-75 Electric Bass Guitar Orig. Case Slotted Head 961211
El Segundo, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
Available for your consideration is this stunning Gibson EB-3 bass guitar. It has a scale length of 31 inches, and a serial number of 961211.
To the best of our knowledge, this is most likely a 72 to 75 production of the EB-3 in mahogany
It is missing the original pickup cover.
You can read more about EB-3 production differences and models on FlyGuitars website.
This Beautiful and stunning EB-3 Gibson Bass guitar is in the original case and ... more
1972 Gibson EB-3 Mahogany Maple neck Bass Guitar first year 1972 has Gibson logo
Kokomo, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2500
The 1972 Gibson EB-3 The first Model Mahogany Bass Guitar is a vintage electric bass guitar that exudes classic style and timeless appeal. With a short scale body made of mahogany with a maple neck and a right-handed design, this 4-string bass guitar features a rosewood fretboard for a smooth and rich tone. This model, part of the Gibson series, comes with a hard case for added protection and easy transport. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner looking to add a vintage touch to your ... more
1978 Gibson EB-3 Bass - Walnut With Original Case
Merrimac, Massachusetts, 018**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2200
Fantastic condition 1978 Gibson EB-3 in walnut finish. Besides two replaced rear cavity screws, the rest of the bass is in original conition, including the hard shell case. It is nicely set up and plays and sounds great. There are very few signs of play wear, dings, or scratches. In short, it's a rock and roll machine
The EB-3 features an SG shaped mahogany body, a 3 piece maple neck with volute, rosewood fingerboard, short 30 5" scale, and two pickups which include a large humbucker in the... more
The EB-3 features an SG shaped mahogany body, a 3 piece maple neck with volute, rosewood fingerboard, short 30 5" scale, and two pickups which include a large humbucker in the... more
1962 Gibson EB-3 4 String Bass Guitar All Original With Gibson Case
Swindon, SN5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4687
1962 Gibson EB-3 bass guitar
All original pick ups switch gear etc. A fantastic piece of guitar history and a great addition for any serious collector or just somebody who loves that classic sound.
Comes with vintage Gibson hard case although I do not think it is the original.
Age related marks but nothing serious considering it is 62 years old!... more
All original pick ups switch gear etc. A fantastic piece of guitar history and a great addition for any serious collector or just somebody who loves that classic sound.
Comes with vintage Gibson hard case although I do not think it is the original.
Age related marks but nothing serious considering it is 62 years old!... more
1965 Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar
Farnham, GU10***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3062
Available now is this 1965 Gibson EB3. One of only 339 shipped in that year, and one of even fewer that made it this side of the pond
The EB-3, widely known as the classic Cream bass, was used and made most famous by Jack Bruce from blues-rock pioneers 'Cream' around 1967 onwards. He had a few of them over that time period, but his main and most photographed instrument was a matching '65. The spacing between the control knobs was changed in 1965 to match the guitar line, so only a percentage... more
The EB-3, widely known as the classic Cream bass, was used and made most famous by Jack Bruce from blues-rock pioneers 'Cream' around 1967 onwards. He had a few of them over that time period, but his main and most photographed instrument was a matching '65. The spacing between the control knobs was changed in 1965 to match the guitar line, so only a percentage... more
Gibson EB-3 Bass Guitar 1967
Horncastle, LN9***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3010
The Gibson EB-3 is a bass guitar introduced in 1961 and discontinued in 1979. It was produced at Gibson's plant in Kalamazoo, MI It features a slim SG-style body, a short 30 5" scale, and two pick up's (a large humbucking pickup in the neck position and a mini humbucker pickup in the bridge position). The electronics include a four-way rotary pickup selector switch (for Series 1 basses: neck pickup with midrange notch, bridge, bridge and neck with low end rolled off neck pickup, neck pickup with... more
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€444
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
Over 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-PARTS in our OTHER
AUCTIONS !!!!
TAKE A LOOK !!!... more
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€439
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... more
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT -------------->>>>>-------------->>>>>
... more
Gibson EB 3 CASE 1971 - passend für NUR GESCHLITZTE SPINDELSTOCK-Version
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£399
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more
* CASE ONLY !
* strap that holds case open=GONE
* bottom and top are loose =need reglueing
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* check all pics
* SOLD AS IS - NO RETURNS... more
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - Made in USA
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£385
1971 GIBSON EB 3 SLOTTED HEADSTOCK BASS CASE - made in USA :
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more
* CASE ONLY !
* interior has stains
* tolex has rips
* all latches are working fine
* worn but solid
* check all pics
... more
